Home care work experiences?

[Lizbiz89]

I've applied for a job being a home carer for the elderly. It's an evening and weekends position for a home care agency. I was wondering if anyone can fill me in on what the work is like? I'm aware it will involve bathing and dressing clients but I'm not sure what else is required? Would be good to hear other carers experiences?

[Bargebill19]

Can include bathing, dressing and undressing, toileting, changing pads, medication, making and serving of meals (usually pre-prepared and microwave but not always. ) conversation, may take the client out for fresh air or to an appointment/shopping etc.
Basically anything and everything depending on what your agency offers. Basically you can end up providing a care home experience but in a clients home. Sometimes you will double up with another carer as some clients may need two people (hoisting etc).
All training should be provided by the agency.

[Lizbiz89]

@Bargebill19 thank you for your reply. That really helps me get a picture.

[AngCalv]

Every private carer for the elderly provides standard services, but there are numerous individualized services devised to fit certain groups. I think the starter should start working as a carer as a standard services provider as other knowledge is needed for the elder with specific problems. I can recommend this rivergardenhomecare.co.uk/ agency to get the appropriate information and carer job.

[Chillychangchoo]

I did it for one day only. Soul destroying. The call times were too short, so I couldn’t have given effective care even if I wanted too. Some of the old people were in such a state too it really, really upset me. Honestly? I got home and I cried my eyes out.

Maybe you’ll have a better experience, good luck.

[Flawedperfection]

It can be a very rewarding and interesting job but please:-

1. Be clear and firm about the hours you can do as they (company) will badger you to do extra hours as someone is always sick.
   
2. NEVER do something if you are not properly trained- ie hoisting or moving someone. I know many carers (and nurses) who did stuff to save time and caused themselves injuries.
   
3. Be clear on what you do and don’t get paid for. Many agencies won’t pay for driving time- just a bit of petrol, so you could be out of the house for 5 hours (4-9pm), but paid solely for 3.5 hours as the rest of the shift time is unpaid driving time (or something like £8.90 in petrol costs). Tight bastards- these agencies are the ones who make it “all about the money”.
   

I did care work about 5 years ago and couldn’t stomach the personal care side, but I loved the social bit- chatting with the oldies, taking them out and cooking for them etc etc.